Medical Assistant, Certificate of Completion

The Certificate of Completion Medical Assistant prepares students to perform initial clerical and administrative duties in medical, clinical, hospitals, or health care facilities. The graduate will be prepared to schedule and receive patients, obtain patient data, receive payment, maintain medical records, data processing, perform general office skills, office equipment operation, and assume general medical office responsibilities. The student will demonstrate effective communication skills in dealing with patients, medical personnel and peers.

Note: Program is not nationally accredited by a healthcare accrediting body.  Check with individual states for specific licensure or scope of practice requirements.

Graduation Requirements


Students must complete a minimum of 45 credit hours with a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or better. Twelve (12) credits must be completed at Southwestern before the Certificate of Completion is awarded. All courses must be completed with a grade of ‘C’ or better.

Complete the graduation application process one term prior to the term of completion (e.g., spring term graduates must apply during winter term).

Program Student Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of clinical practice.
  • Demonstrate general knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and medical law and ethics.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in medical office administrative practices.

Math and writing placement are unique to each student and are determined during the admissions and intake advising process.  Additional math or writing courses may be required prior to taking the math or writing program requirements in this degree.

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
AH111 Medical Terminology I 3
AH121 Body Structures and Functions I 5 3
AH152 Medical Law and Ethics 2
COMM100Z Introduction to Communication 3 4
WR115 Fundamentals of Report Writing 1 4
 Credits16
Winter
AH112 Medical Terminology II 3
AH122 Body Structures and Functions II 5 3
AH151 Reimbursement Management 3
PHAR105 Pharmacology I 3
MTH65 Beginning Algebra I 2 4
 Credits16
Spring
AH131 Clinical Procedures I 4
AH297 NHA Licensure Qualification 4
BA285 Human Relations in Organizations 6 3
PSY201Z General Psychology 4 4
 Credits15
 Total Credits47
1

WR115, WR121Z, WR122Z or WR227Z

2

MTH65 or higher, excluding MTH211.

3

COMM100Z or higher will satisfy this requirement. 

4

PSY201Z or higher will satisfy this requirement, except PSY228.

5

BI231, BI232, BI233 completed sequence may be substituted for AH121/122.

6

Any PSY or SOC Lower Division Course above a 100-level or BA120 may be substituted.